Nov 03

“I AM”

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This weekend is our annual Middle School and High School Fall Retreat. I always enjoy this weekend because it allows our students the opportunity to get away from their normal weekend routine and focus on their relationship with God. Personally, I believe this is one of the best things a youth ministry can do for its students. A getaway like this provides the youth so many wonderful opportunities for growth. If a youth minister fails to capitalize on something like this, he has missed a great opportunity to instill a deeper commitment to the Lord within the hearts of his students.

The theme for our retreat is “I AM.” We will spend the weekend focusing upon some of the most amazing qualities of God. I have spent a lot of time thinking about which qualities I wanted us to emphasize over the course of this weekend. When one considers such qualities pertaining to God, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. However, I wanted to pick attributes of God that most teens need to be reminded of and attributes that truly show God in a positive light. Many times when a teen thinks about certain attributes of God, he or she thinks about those qualities in a negative sense. For instance, the fact that God is All-Knowing is generally seen as a negative, not just among teens, but among adults as well. After all, “No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:13). I want our students to understand why God being all-knowing is a positive attribute we should be thankful for instead of a negative one. Thus, after much thought, these are the attributes of God we are focusing on this weekend.

I AM All-Knowing

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.4Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD,you know it altogether. 5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:1-6).

I AM Faithful

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God,the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

I Am Merciful

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (I John 1:9-10).

I AM Love

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him” (I John 3:1).

The Psalmist reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  It is my hope and prayer that our students will  take time to be still and know God, and come away with a better appreciation for Him.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Oct 24

Renovating Your Life

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A great deal of renovation has taken place around our building lately. For instance, the bathrooms in the hallway were renovated, the library was renovated and it wasn’t that long ago that the auditorium was renovated. Whether it is at home or someplace like a church building, renovations are an important part of improving things. Just as we look for things in our homes to renovate, we should be looking for things in our lives that need renovation as well.

The apostle Paul was a man who understood the importance of renovation in one’s life. When we are first introduced to Saul, he is standing by in support of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58 – Acts 8:1). From that point forward, Saul went about “Ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison” (Acts 8:3). When he gave his defense before Agrippa, Paul told of how he was hostile toward Christians, even casting his vote against them when they were being put to death (Acts 26:9-11). If there was ever a person who needed to renovate his life, it was Saul. After all, in his own mind, he was the chief of all sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).

The wonderful thing about Saul is that he took the time to renovate his life.  He was convicted while on the road to Damascus, and was later baptized for the forgiveness of his sins (Acts 9:18). Immediately, we learn, “he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues” (Acts 9:20). Saul’s name was later changed to Paul, and he would go on to become one of the greatest preachers the world has ever known.

Friends, what about us? Are there things in our lives that we need to renovate? Are we the kind of people that God would have us to be? Are we God seekers or people pleasers? Are we letting our light shine or are we hiding our light so others can’t see? Are we fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, coveters, liars, drunkards, revilers, gluttonous, prideful or murders? Are we people who have not given our full hearts to God? If there are things in our lives that need to be renovated, why not begin the renovation process today. Just as a home or church building can be renovated and restored to something better, our life can be renovated to one that resembles a disciple of Jesus Christ. Let’s begin our renovation today!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Sep 26

The Book of All Books

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As I was growing up, reading was one of my least favorite things to do. I never enjoyed when my teachers assigned me the task of reading. Whether I was asked to read an entire book or only a chapter or two didn’t matter, I didn’t enjoy reading. When I graduated college and begin my first job, the preacher I worked with challenged me to make reading a part of my ministry. His challenge wasn’t easy, but today I enjoy reading a good book. I like to read everything from action and mystery, to uplifting volumes and religious works. Now reading is almost always a part of my daily activities.

I have read several books over the course of the last few years. Many of them relate to Christianity and religion in some form or fashion. However, there is one book I like to read that stands high and above all other books. I continue to go back to this one book time and time again. Yes, I’m taking about the Bible. I know, you never would have guessed I was going to write that would you? The Bible is my favorite book. God’s Word is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. Please allow me the opportunity to explain what makes the Bible the book of all books.

First, the Bible is God’s Word to mankind. Unlike the other books I enjoy reading, the Bible is the only one which has been inspired by God. Paul told the young Timothy, “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no greater author than the very author of the universe. This alone separates the Bible from every other book ever written.

Second, the Bible is beyond human production. Many people try to prove that the Bible is not inspired by God, but rather that it’s just another book produced by man. However, when one takes a close look, it is easy to see that the Bible is different from all other books. For instance, consider the amazing unity found within the pages of the Bible. This book was written over a period of about 1600 years by approximately 40 different writers who came from various backgrounds and educational levels. With this type of history, the Bible easily could be inconsistent. However, the Bible never once contradicts itself. It’s as though the Bible was penned by a single hand. The apostle Peter wrote, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). The fact that the Bible is beyond human production is a reason the Bible is unlike any other book ever written.

Third, no matter how many times I read God’s Word, I always learn something new. I love when I open God’s word and have things I have never thought about before jump out at me. These new lessons deepen my love for this amazing book. Most books, once you have read them, you know the story and you are no longer surprised by its content during future reads. With God’s Word this is not the case. I have a bookmark I keep in my Bibles that says, “Wisdom is gained every time your Bible is opened.” The Bible is the book above all books because unlike other books, I continually learn from it.

I enjoy reading all different types of books. Books that are funny, educational, serious, and thrilling. Yet, only one book do I continually go back to time after time, and that’s the B-I-B-L-E. Yes, friends, the Bible is the book for me!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Sep 12

When God’s Plan Is Different!

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Have your plans ever not worked out exactly like you had planned or intended? I can recall several times in my life when I had this very experience. I had certain plans, but for whatever reason those plans didn’t work out. Instead, I found myself in the midst of some circumstances I had not planned for and didn’t like. It seemed as if those circumstances weren’t going to change anytime soon.

Right now, if you are in some circumstance that you don’t want to be, stop and ask yourself “Am I here for a reason?” Remember the Southern kingdom, Judah? God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to lead an army to the gates of Jerusalem to destroy the temple and capture the people. This raid happened on three separate occasions (605 BC, 597 BC and 586 BC). It was during the last raid when the temple was destroyed. Maybe you are wondering why God allowed this to happen. The reason is because the Israelites turned away from the Lord (Jer. 25:8-9). They ignored God’s warnings and the prophets He sent them even to the point of killing some of those prophets. Thus, God raised up king Nebuchadnezzar to execute judgment upon His people.

The people of Judah were no different than all of us. They found themselves in the midst of circumstances they didn’t plan for. Let’s consider the many valuable lessons that we can learn from Judah and their unplanned circumstances.

God Will Not Always Do What We Expect Him To Do (Jer. 29:1-4).

I imagine that the people of Judah didn’t expect God to allow this to happen to them. After all, they were His chosen people. However, God doesn’t just allow this to happen, He clearly takes credit for sending Judah into exile (v. 4; 27:6). We must remember that sometimes God doesn’t work according to our plans or our timetable. In fact, at times God does the things we would least expect (ex: Joseph being sold in slavery and separated from his family; Moses being taken away from his mother, etc.).

God’s ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8-9). We must remember that sometimes God does things we wouldn’t expect Him to do because we can’t comprehend His thoughts. The people of Judah ended up involved in circumstances they didn’t like. When we end up in circumstances we don’t like, consider the fact that God might have brought us to such circumstances for a reason. Maybe you and I end up in certain circumstances because that’s where God wants us to be. Maybe there is something for us to learn or accomplish. Friends, never forget, God is often working in our lives during those inconvenient circumstances we find ourselves in.

God Wants Us To Be Productive/Useful Where We Are Regardless Of Our Plan (Jer. 29:5-7).

When we find ourselves in the midst of circumstances we don’t want to be in, the easy thing to do is complain and make excuses. In fact, sometimes we blame our situation for our lack of service to God on the unwelcomed circumstances in our lives. We might be employed and working long hours. It would be easy to use this as an excuse for a lack of service. But with God, it doesn’t matter. No matter our circumstances, God wants us to be productive in our service to Him. If we are employed and working long hours, God wants us to be a light to our coworkers. He wants us to demonstrate how Christians behave and work. If we are grieving, instead of using this as an excuse for a lack of service, God wants us to learn to minster to others who are grieving.

God wanted Judah to transform their situation and make the most of it instead of blaming God for their circumstances. It’s time we stop making excuses for our lack of service and get busy. I heard it said that the problem with excuses is that “They’re like armpits, everyone’s got a couple and they usually stink.” Regardless of our circumstances, God expects us to be useful in our service to Him.

God Can Accomplish Great Things Through Our Unplanned Circumstances (Jer. 29:8-10).

Consider what God accomplished through the 70 years of captivity that Judah found herself in. First, the grip of idolatry was broken. It took severe measures, but God was able to remove the virus of idolatry. Second, God established a presence among the Babylonians. Remember Daniel and his three friends? Their rise to prominence and power would have never happened had Judah not found herself in captivity. Third, Nebuchadnezzar became a believer. In Daniel 4 we read of how king Nebuchadnezzar became prideful, lost his mind and ate grass with cattle for 7 years. When he came to his senses, he cried out to the Lord in repentance of his sins (Dan. 4).

The people of Judah were unable to see God working in their circumstances through the 70 years. It’s the same for us today. We may not be able to see what God is accomplishing in our lives right away, but we can be certain that He can accomplish great things through our troubling circumstances.

God Still Cares For Us In Spite Of Our Present Circumstances (v. 11).

It would have been easy for Judah to think that God no longer cared for them because of their current circumstances. If God really cared, why would He allow this to happen, right? However, God through the prophet Jeremiah reminded the people that He still cared for them in spite of what was taking place in their lives. For instance, notice what the Lord said, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).  Did you catch what the Lord said? He indicated that He was thinking about Judah and that His thoughts were good.

When we find ourselves in circumstances that are unpleasant, we would do well to realize that God still cares for us. Our present circumstances do not change the way God feels about us. After all, man is God’s prized creation (Gen. 1:26-27).

God Has A Plan For Our Lives (vs. 12-14).

Many of you have probably wondered the age old question, “What is God’s plan for me?” I personally believe that God has the same plan for us that He had for the captives of Judah. First, God wants us to learn to depend on Him (v. 12). Israel was in captivity because they had failed to depend on the Lord. Yet, God continually came through for the Israelites in times of crisis (Exodus 3:7). He was proven to be dependable.

Second, God wants us to seek and find Him (vs. 13-14). God is not trying to hide from us. Jesus said, “Seek and you shall find” (Matt. 7:7-9). God’s ultimate desire is that all people will come to know and live for Him (2 Pet. 3:9).

Third, God wants to give us a future and a hope (v. 11). The future for Judah was to return home to their land. The future and hope for us today is like nothing we can image. It’s an eternal home in heaven with God our Father

Friends, I don’t know where you are in your life right now, but I know this…God has a plan for you. You may not like the circumstances of your life, but perhaps you are where you are for a reason. Maybe there is something for you to learn or accomplish.

Remember, even when God’s plan is different from ours, His plan is always better!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

 

 

Aug 23

Meeting His Expectations

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Last week I began teaching Bible at Knoxville Christian School (KCS).  On the first full day of class, I went over the class rules and expectations for this year as did most teachers.  As a teacher, I have certain expectations which I expect the students to meet: be on time, come to class prepared, respect others.  If the students meet my class expectations, I anticipate us having a great year.

As I was working on my list of class expectations, I began thinking: what does God expect of me? Does God have certain expectations for those of us who are Christians? I mean, if I have expectations for my students, then surely God has expectations for His children, right? Consider these passages from God’s holy and divine word.

Matthew 5:48 – Jesus expects us to be perfect in love as our Father God is! We cannot fully attain this kind of perfection in this life, for we are not perfect. However, Jesus set a high standard for us to follow. We should strive to be like our Father.

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus expects us to go and teach others about His great love for them!

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 22:37-38 – Jesus expects us to love God and place Him before everything else in our lives!

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”

Matthew 22:39-40 –Jesus expects us to love our neighbors in the same way that we love ourselves!

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

You see friends, just as you and I have expectations of others, God has expectations for His children. Too many times we dismiss the expectations of God because of our sinful nature. But let us remember, God’s expectations of us are always attainable. We should strive to meet them. If we do, we can anticipate a rewarding life. How are you doing at meeting the expectations of God?

Now that’s Something to Think About!